Australia overpower New Zealand with a big win in the Women’s World Cup
Australia overpower New Zealand with a big win in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
Woman's ODI World Cup: Australia Vs New Zealand: Australia began their Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign in style, defeating New Zealand by 89 runs. Ashleigh Gardner’s blazing 115 and Annabel Sutherland’s 3/26 powered the Aussies to a dominant win.
Australia Women got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a commanding 89-run victory over New Zealand. Ashleigh Gardner’s brilliant century set the tone, while Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Molineux starred with the ball to seal a dominant win.
Australia Innings
Australia’s batting display was a mix of aggression and control, headlined by Ashleigh Gardner’s stunning 115 off 83 balls, packed with 16 fours and a six. Alyssa Healy struck a quick 19 before falling, while Phoebe Litchfield (45 off 31) played a dazzling cameo with six fours and two sixes.
Ellyse Perry (33) and Beth Mooney (12) got starts but couldn’t kick on.
At 128/5, Gardner took charge. She played aggressively yet smartly, adding crucial runs with Tahlia McGrath (26) and then stitching together a vital lower-order stand with Kim Garth (38 off 37).
Despite wickets falling around her, Gardner powered Australia past 300 before departing in the 47th over. The innings closed at 326 in 49.3 overs — a daunting total. For New Zealand, Lea Tahuhu (3/42) bowled with discipline, while Jess Kerr (3/59) and Amelia Kerr (2/54) chipped in.
New Zealand Innings
Chasing a steep target, New Zealand lost both openers — Suzie Bates for 0 and Georgia Plimmer without facing a ball — inside the first over, leaving them on the back foot immediately. Captain Sophie Devine led from the front with a magnificent 112 off 112 balls, striking 12 fours and 3 sixes. She found some support from Amelia Kerr (33 off 56) and Brooke Halliday (28 off 38), but regular wickets kept Australia in control.
Wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze’s lively 28 off 18 gave New Zealand brief hope, but once Devine fell in the 43rd From 235/5, New Zealand lost their last five wickets for just 2 runs, folding for 237 in 43.2 overs, well short of the target. With the ball, Annabel Sutherland (3/26) was outstanding, supported by Sophie Molineux (3/25) and Alana King (2/44).
Brief Scores
Australia: 326 all out (49.3 overs): Ashleigh Gardner 115, Phoebe Litchfield 45, Kim Garth 38; Lea Tahuhu 3/42, Jess Kerr 3/59
New Zealand: 237 all out (43.2 overs): Sophie Devine 112, Amelia Kerr 33, Isabella Gaze 28; Annabel Sutherland 3/26, Sophie Molineux 3/25